Dance - lesson 2 - Gestures - 23rd September 2016

In todays lesson we explored 'gestures' and the connotations behind them. For example whether they are positive or negative. We did this by first creating  a mind-map of gestures which we use in our every day lives. We then discussed these as a group. For example, what they meant or when we'd use them, and then added them to our map if we didn't have them.


After this we then got into pairs and devised a dance piece which was heavily influenced by gestures. The stimulus for the dance/movement piece was 'meeting/friend greeting' etc.

We initially wanted to have an aggressive meeting but didn't want it to seem to violent. Therefore we thought of a structure. For example, we don't meet on great terms. Then as it progresses we try to see eye-to-eye and sort out our differences. Eventually, it ends like it started with an aggressive movement as we cant see past our differences and don't change how we feel.  

Our piece starts with a 'windmill' action ending with two backhand slaps. This is a very aggressive movement and suggests that this is not a friendly meeting. At multiple points during our performance our movements are in unison and are the same. However, they may either be in the opposite direction or of an mirror image. This suggests that we try to get along but cant seem to meet in the middle and are still set in our ways. This is shown when we hold hands but lean away from each other and where we cross paths towards the end of our piece. Our movements are very strong and sharp throughout creating a tense and bold atmosphere.

WWW.
I think the structure of our dance was good as it started and ended with the same emotion - aggression. Started and finished with very elaborate and strong movements. For example, beginning with the backhand slaps and ending with the fast arm swing. I also think that our synchronisation was particularly good as we stayed in time with not only the music but with each other. Meaning that the dance progressed and moved at the same speed making it look far more polished than if it wasn't. I also think our use of Indian hand gestures and the fact we managed to incorporate them into our piece was good. For example, we used the hand gesture Alapadma. This shows that we took into account our stimulus as well as our overall inspiration - 'Faultline'. Meaning our piece was linked to traditional Indian dance as well as modern day gestures.

EBI

Personally, I feel as though I need to continue to work on my extension of my arms when doing certain moves. For example the second move we perform I need to extend my arms out straighter and longer in order to make it seem more fluid and strong. I feel as though I also need to work more slightly on my special awareness in order to make sure I have enough room around me to successfully perform certain moves. For example, when we enter our end move I am a little to close to my partner meaning I have little room to move my arm. If I take a larger step I will have more room in order to make it a stronger more powerful swing. We could also play around with speed and dynamics a little more in order to vary movement phrases, making it visually more interesting.

We then brought together all our movement phrases as a class and took parts from different people in order to create a whole new phrase altogether. (still in progress)